Protecting Kentucky Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Kentucky seniors are not immune. In 2025, 154 older adults in Kentucky reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Kentucky Seniors Are Targeted
Kentucky’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Appalachian isolation: Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian communities face extreme geographic isolation, limited broadband, and few local resources for scam prevention
- High elderly poverty: Kentucky has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the nation, making seniors more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural population: Over 41% of Kentuckians live in rural areas with limited access to in-person tech help and financial advisors
- Southern trust culture: Kentucky’s warm, hospitable culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound polite and authoritative
- Coal industry retirees: Retirees from Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing industries often have pension savings that scammers target with investment schemes
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Kentucky (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 26 | $299K | — |
| 2022 | 31 | $257K | -14% |
| 2023 | 27 | $186K | -28% |
| 2024 | 91 | $2.2M | +1111% |
| 2025 | 154 | $2.5M | +13% |
| 5-Year Total | 329 | $5.5M | +752% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Kentucky residents aged 60 and older.
Kentucky ranks #27 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.5 million lost in 2025 across 154 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +13%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Kentucky grew +752%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Kentucky
- Office of the Kentucky Attorney General: (502) 696-5300 | ag.ky.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Kentucky Adult Protective Services: (800) 752-6200
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)